Electronic Cigarette Filter Assembly

ABSTRACT

As an accessory to electronic cigarette devices, and/or integrated into same, a personal air filter having uniquely treated and shaped graphite is disclosed herein. The exhale filter of the present invention more particularly couples to a pen-type e-cigarette having a commercially known 510-standard distillate cartridge for filtering harmful particulates or gaseous pollutants associated with electronic cigarette usage.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S.Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/931,312 filed on Nov. 6, 2019 entitled“Smoke or Vapor Personal Air Filter and Methods Regarding Same.”Accordingly, the entire contents this U.S. provisional patent submissionis hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to accessories for electronicsmoking devices and perhaps smoking in general. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to an electronic cigarette filter specificallyconfigurable to a pen-type electronic cigarette and related novel filtertechnology.

Description of the Prior Art

Ever increasing in popularity, “electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes” andvaporizers typically use an electrical heating element to heat a liquidusually containing a mixture of nicotine and flavorings/extract (orcannabis including THC or CBD) that produces a mist similar to smoke,but without the excessive heat that causes combustion.

One issue facing the so-called ENDS (Electronic Nicotine DeliverySystems) and the ECDS (Electronic Cannabis Delivery Systems) is thepresence of potentially harmful particulate and/or gaseous compounds.Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide devices andmethods for removal such compounds to a closed environment. Moreparticularly, it is an object of the present invention to introduce anexhale filtration system that can be integrated into ENDS/ECDS devices.

Importantly, existing graphite exhale filter technology includesgranular filter media which can greatly imped air flow. An examplecurrently on the market has been branded the Smoke Buddy®. This deviceis specifically an external filter for receiving exhaled mist; however,it's a bit bulky, awkward and irregular in shape. It is an additionalobject of the present invention to provide improved air flow in asmaller device that can be used for vapor or smoke exhale.

Also known in the art are the so-called 510-standard e-cigarettecartridges containing distillate/oil that can be replace after saiddistillate is consumed. The 510-standard cartridges connect to ane-cigarette main body via a specially-sized threads. Given thepopularity of this particular delivery system, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide a filter solution specifically configurableto the 510-standard.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention,in a first aspect is an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising:an electronic cigarette main body having a power source an igniterbutton; a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the main bodycontaining distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be introduced toa user; an original mouthpiece coupled to the replaceable filtercartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic cigarette main body and aself-contained mouthpiece and filter combination including a secondmouthpiece, a filter medium, and an inner cavity open on a bottom end,the inner cavity configured to fit over a top of the replaceablecartridge for filtering the user exhale.

The invention in a first aspect is additionally characterized in thatthe self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprises adual check valve insert between the second mouthpiece and the filtermedium. The dual check valve insert includes: an inlet check valveseparating the second mouthpiece from the inner cavity; and an outletcheck valve separating the second mouthpiece from the filter medium,wherein the dual check valve insert is configured directly adjacent tothe second mouthpiece.

Still further, the invention in this aspect is characterized wherein theself-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprises analuminum enclosure defining the inner cavity and also defining a rearcavity, the rear cavity for containing and holding the filter medium,wherein the aluminum enclosure further comprises a window carved out forviewing a distillate level.

Additionally further, the invention in this aspect is characterized inthat the filter medium comprises an extruded carbon element baked to aspecific shape, the specific shape including a concave surfaceconfigured around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbonelement comprises a plurality of channels therethrough for passingexhale. Also importantly, the self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination further has a mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of thesecond mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user's exhale. Stateddifferently, the inside wall of the second mouthpiece is shaped like anozzle for increasing fluid velocity. An additional nozzle or set ofnozzles is also provide at an introduction to the filter medium. Thisfilter nozzle is at an outlet of the outlet check valve for increasingthe velocity of the user's exhale.

In still a second aspect, the invention may be characterized as anelectronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: a mouthpiece at aproximal end thereof; a graphite filter element, the graphite filterelement including a plurality of channels therethrough, the plurality ofchannels providing filtering of gaseous and particulate pollutants whilecontemporaneously allowing relatively unrestricted airflow therethrough;and a plurality of exit vent holes opposite the mouthpiece. Thisinvention is this aspect also includes the electronic cigarette mainbody; the disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an endthereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and amouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein themouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein themouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an originalmouthpiece.

The invention in this second aspect is additionally characterizedwherein the graphite filter element comprises extruded carbon, theextruded carbon for molding said graphite to a unique shape, the uniqueshape having a concave side surface for fitting around an electroniccigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.

The invention in this second aspect is further characterized in that iscomprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rearcavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the innercavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the secondmouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a filter nozzle coupled tothe second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and abottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via a correspondingmale protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprisesthe exit vent holes, and wherein the graphite filter element isconfigured within the rear cavity.

Yet still further in a third aspect the invention is an electroniccigarette filter assembly comprising a self-contained mouthpiece andfilter including a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the self-containedmouthpiece and filter, an exit vent opposite the mouthpiece, and afilter medium therebetween, further wherein the self-containedmouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity open at a distal endof the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination, the innercavity configured to receive an electronic cigarette originalmouthpiece.

The invention in this third aspect is further characterized in that itincludes the electronic cigarette main body; a disposable distillatecartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to theelectronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to thedisposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximalend is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to thedisposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.

Still further in this third aspect the invention may be characterized inthat it comprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and arear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of theinner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the secondmouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a plurality of filternozzles coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valvetherebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleevevia corresponding a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch,wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes and wherein thegraphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake ofgrammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC §112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarilylimited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps”limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning andequivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicialdoctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expresslyformulated under 35 USC § 112 are to be accorded full statutoryequivalents under 35 USC § 112, or similar applicable law. The inventioncan be better visualized by turning now to the following drawingswherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette filter assemblyin a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 1C is an additional exploded view however showing a replaceablecartridge coupled to an e-cigarette main body;

FIG. 1D is a front elevational view of the electronic cigarette filterassembly;

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly as seen fromline 1E-1E in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is an enlarged sectional view thereof;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a profile view thereof;

FIG. 2C is an exploded view of filter internal components; and

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the filter taken along line 2D-2Din FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is an enlarged view of a mouthpiece portion taken about line2E-2E in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 2F is an additional cross-sectional view of the filter as seenalong line 2F-2F in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a graphite filter element of thepresent invention with a top view exploded; and

FIG. 3B is an alternative embodiment of the graphite filter element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1A, a standard (510 for example) electroniccigarette filter assembly 10 is shown configured with technology of thepresent invention in an isometric view. The personal filter of thepresent invention has several components broadly laid out in explodeddetail, FIG. 1B.

With regard to FIG. 1C, a front elevational view has a front window withand an exhale filter on a rear (back) side. The directional inhale airflow in the inhale function is up through the center of the device 10;and in the exhale function air goes back into a mouthpiece 30 and backdown through a rear side of the device 10. The lower inner section 11,13 of the device 10 contains a standard replaceable cartridge(510-standard, for example) having (nicotine, CBD and/or cannabis,e.g.), configured to an electronic coil inside e-cigarette main body 11.The standard cartridge 13 further has standard threads 15 that couple tothe main portion of the electronic cigarette 11.

Again with regard to FIG. 1A together with FIG. 1B, the invention 10comprises a mouthpiece 30; or alternatively, the invention comprises anoriginal mouthpiece 14 and the filter mouthpiece 30 is a secondmouthpiece wherein filter 20 fits over and is mated to originalmouthpiece 14. Filter 20 is further fitted with an endcap 90 at anopposite end of the mouthpiece 30, the end cap 90 having exit vent holes91 for discharge of filtered air. Filter 20 window 61, 81 allows a userto inspect distillate level inside cartridge 13. As stated, thedistillate is more particularly oil extracted from another substanceintending to be introduced by a user. Igniter button 12 is used toactivate a heating coil inside main body 11 powered by a battery, as isknown in the art. When a cartridge 13 is expended, a new one is screwed15 onto main portion 11 and the filter 20 slips over the originalmouthpiece 14 and cartridge as seen in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D. It should beappreciated that inner cavity 82 (FIG. 2C) is open at a distal end forreceiving original mouthpiece 14 and filter cartridge 13 portions as isapparent in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D.

FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F are cross-sectional views of the device 10 takenabout line 1E-1E in FIG. 1A. As shown (together with FIG. 1D), igniterbutton 12 is positioned on a front of the device 10 and exhale filteringchannel 51, 70, 75, 91 is positioned at a rear of the device 10. Exhalefiltering channel 51, 70, 75, 91 sequentially comprises: nozzle 51, HEPAmedium 75, extruded carbon element 70, and exit vent 91, as furtherdetailed herein. Also viewable, filter 20 configures and is mated tooriginal mouthpiece 14 of e-cigarette 11. Or stated differently,mouthpiece 30 and filter 70, 75 combination mates to an electroniccigarette 11 about its original mouthpiece 14. And further herein,filter 20 may also be referred to as a mouthpiece and filter combination30, 70, 75 or self-contained mouthpiece and filter 20. A filter mediumherein, may broadly refer to HEPA 75 medium, carbon filter element 70,or both 70, 75.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination 20 of the present invention 10 is illustrated inperspective. Filter 20 has an outer housing 80 containing internalcomponents. More particularly in a preferred embodiment, outer housing80 is an extruded aluminum enclosure. The enclosure 80 has a window 81positioned at a front of the filter 20 while the exit vent holes 91 areat a rear of the filter 20. As stated, the window 81 carved out ofenclosure 80 allows a user to inspect distillate level contained in thedisposable cartridge 13. Incidentally, the disposable cartridge 13 withthreads 15 is also referred to as a pod-style delivery system. FIG. 2Bprovides a profile view of the self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination 20.

Regarding FIG. 2C, filter internal components are revealed in anexploded view. As shown, filter 20 mouthpiece 30 and bottom cover 90form proximal and distal ends, respectively. Therebetween sequentially,mouthpiece 30 is configured to dual check 40 valve insert and a to amulti-port manifold 50. Upon close inspection, the dual check valveinsert 40 snaps into the multi-port manifold 50 which connects to themouthpiece 30. Multi-port nozzle manifold 50 further has a plurality offilter nozzles 51 incorporated thereto as detailed herein. Dual checkvalve insert 40 is positioned up into the mouthpiece 30.

Next regarding FIG. 2C, inner rubber sleeve 60 connects to multiportmanifold 50 via a pair female notches on an upper surface of rubbersleeve 60 and corresponding male protrusion(s) on a bottom surface ofmultiport manifold 50. In turn, inner rubber sleeve 60 configures to theouter housing enclosure 80 about and around and inside surface ofcircular inner cavity 82 provided by outer enclosure 80. Subsequently,rubber sleeve 60 couples to bottom cover 90 via similar femaleprotrusion(s) on a bottom surface of rubber sleeve 60 and to maleprotrusions on a top surface of bottom cover 90, all with outerenclosure 80 therebetween and also mating with a top part of bottomcover 90. However, before the last aforementioned mating occurs, carbonfilter element 70 having a concave side surface 71 slides down into rearcavity 83 adjacent to and around outer cavity 82. Also, as shown in FIG.2C, viewing window 61, 81 comprises outer window 81 (in outer enclosure80) juxtaposed with inner window 61 (in the inner rubber sleeve 60).

Now referring to FIG. 2D, a cross-sectional view of the filter 20 takenalong line 2D-2D in FIG. 2A is provided. Herein, extruded carbon filterelement 70 has a plurality of filter passages or channels 71 for passageof exhale therethrough. As viewed together with enlarged view FIG. 2E,HEPA filter medium 75 is shown between the multiport manifold 50nozzle(s) 51 and the carbon filter element 70 also for filtering harmfulpollutants. Herein, filter medium 70, 75 may refer to either HEPA filtermedium 75, or carbon filter element 70, or both 70, 75 working together.

Additionally regarding FIG. 2E, mouthpiece 30 has an inner wall 32having a shape of a nozzle 31 (inlet nozzle 31) increasing velocity ofexhale hence lessening resistance for a user to blow into same 30. Dualcheck valve manifold 40 initially has an inlet check valve 41 separatingcircular inner cavity 82 from mouthpiece plenum 32. Accordingly, in theinhale function, air is permitted up through the inner cavity 82 of thedevice 10 but not back down through the center in the exhale function.Instead, exhale is diverted to a rear of the device via outlet checkvalve 42, and then subsequently through a plurality of filter nozzles 51for introduction to the filter medium 70, 75 as detailed in FIG. 2F.Filter nozzles 51, especially, provide an aerodynamic manipulationreducing vapor and harmful particulate.

Still further regarding FIG. 2F, a cross-sectional view is provideddepicting the filter 20 as seen along line 2F-2F in FIG. 2B. As shown,multi-port manifold 50 aligns a series of filter nozzles 51 in a line.The user exhale exits the nozzles 51 and enters the HEPA filter medium75. Additional pollutants are removed as exhale exits the HEPA mediumand enters the extruded carbon filter element 70 having a plurality ofchannels 72, 73 therethrough.

As stated herein, gaseous and/or particulate pollutants are filteredespecially through the novel extruded carbon layer 70. Heretofore,comparable filters used granulated carbon that greatly impeded airpassage therethrough. The extruded carbon 70 is able to be molded andshaped to the fine details as required that may include tiny channels72, 73 to better allow air passage. Subsequent to a molding method step,the carbon 70 is baked to set and cure the material.

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of an extruded graphite filter 70of the present invention. FIG. 3B provides a slightly differentalternative 73. It should be appreciated that the unique curved geometry71 allows enhanced air flow in the exhale function (while remainingcompact in size) as compared to any comparable prior art devices thatcontain granular carbon, or graphite powder as a filtering device.

Also regarding FIG. 3A, channels 72 have been enlarged to reveal squaregeometry 72 in a top plan aspect. Accordingly, a matrix plurality ofchannels 72 fills out a top surface of the carbon filter element 70. Ina preferred embodiment, the squares measure ½ mm across. FIG. 3Bintroduces a slightly different geometry with circular 73 channels.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example andthat it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by thefollowing claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that theelements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, itmust be expressly understood that the invention includes othercombinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosedabove even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

While the particular Electronic Filter Assembly herein shown anddisclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects andproviding the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understoodthat it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention and that no limitations are intended to the details ofconstruction or design herein shown other than as described in theappended claims.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic cigarette filter assemblycomprising: an electronic cigarette main body having a power source anigniter button; a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the main bodycontaining distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be introduced toa user; an original mouthpiece coupled to the replaceable filtercartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic cigarette main body and aself-contained mouthpiece and filter combination including a secondmouthpiece, a filter medium, and an inner cavity open on a bottom end,the inner cavity configured to fit over a top of the replaceablecartridge for filtering the user exhale.
 2. The electronic cigarettefilter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filtercombination further comprising a dual check valve insert between thesecond mouthpiece and the filter medium, the dual check valve insertincluding: an inlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece fromthe inner cavity; and an outlet check valve separating the secondmouthpiece from the filter medium, wherein the dual check valve insertis configured directly adjacent to the second mouthpiece.
 3. Theelectronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-containedmouthpiece and filter combination further comprising an aluminumenclosure defining the inner cavity and also defining a rear cavity, therear cavity for containing and holding the filter medium, wherein thealuminum enclosure further comprises a window carved out for viewing adistillate level.
 4. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim1, the filter medium comprising an extruded carbon element baked to aspecific shape, the specific shape including a concave surface toconfigure around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbonelement comprises a plurality of channels therethrough for passingexhale.
 5. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, theself-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising: amouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece forincreasing a velocity of the user's exhale; and a filter nozzle at anoutlet of the outlet check valve for increasing the velocity of theuser's exhale.
 6. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: amouthpiece at a proximal end thereof; a graphite filter element, thegraphite filter element including a plurality of channels therethrough,the plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and particulatepollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively unrestrictedairflow therethrough; and a plurality of exit vent holes opposite themouthpiece.
 7. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6further comprising: an electronic cigarette main body; a disposabledistillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling tothe electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to thedisposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximalend is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to thedisposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
 8. Theelectronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 wherein said graphitefilter element comprises extruded carbon, the extruded carbon formolding said graphite to a unique shape, the unique shape having aconcave side surface for fitting around an electronic cigarette mainbody coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.
 9. The electroniccigarette filter assembly of claim 7, further comprising: an aluminumenclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity; a silicone rubbersleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valveinsert configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifoldincluding a filter nozzle coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dualcheck valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the siliconerubber sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch,wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes, and wherein thegraphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.
 10. Anelectronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a self-containedmouthpiece and filter including a mouthpiece at a proximal end of theself-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit vent opposite themouthpiece, and a filter medium therebetween, further wherein theself-contained mouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity openat a distal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination,the inner cavity configured to receive an electronic cigarette originalmouthpiece.
 11. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10,further comprising: an electronic cigarette main body; a disposabledistillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling tothe electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to thedisposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximalend is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to thedisposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
 12. Theelectronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising analuminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity; asilicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; adual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece; amulti-port manifold including a plurality of filter nozzles coupled tothe second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and abottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via corresponding acorresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottomcover comprises the exit vent holes and wherein the graphite filterelement is configured within the rear cavity.